Is It Godly to Go to War?

Spring/Summer 2018 Issue

In this issue, read topics about whether or not it is right to carry a gun to protect others as a Christian, loud worship volume in the church, find out why it is okay to dispute the scriptures, find out why you can talk to people about your problems, and much more. Plus, read an exciting testimony from a new contributing writer, Kim Bond and more devotional series topics.

Is It Godly to Go to War?

“Gun retaliation” beliefs have been cultivated over the years by Evangelicals who have embraced the idea that “fighting for the country” is honorable. It is true— in this world, it is honorable. However, it is carnal. A Christian can absolutely have respect for their country, but as I stated in a previous article, there is a point where righteousness ends and carnality begins.

For example— and I know this might hurt some feelings— sending your Christian child off to war. This is not a good thing. It might be great for the world, but not for born-again believers.

Here’s the good news that churches should have said all along— Your child can avoid the draft. Simply become a minister. In fact, that is what we are all supposed to be anyway. That is our faith and it is God’s command. Parents who scoff at this idea do not apply God’s Word.

Ministers are legally exempt from service. A minister is a person who shares the gospel with a community, baptizes, and is affirmed by a church body. If you didn’t know— forgetting all that certain modern churches teach regarding baptism after going through their classes… or that a lack of devoutness is okay— godly ministry is every Christian’s calling and the whole point.

Jesus says to all His disciples,

[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ~Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

This doesn’t mean your son can’t have another job, it just means that he should be able to minister the Word of God as a life calling.

Can’t avoid the draft? Here’s John the baptist’s 1 John the Baptist is Jesus cousin, a prophet known for preparing the way for the Lord.” advice:

[14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, “And what shall we do?” And he [John] said unto them, “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” ~Luke 3:14 KJV

If perhaps, you’re wondering whether your church is teaching your child the righteous things of God, I challenge you to make this statement to your child:

Tell me the two most important commandments.

I say this because my family had been with a certain church for six years. Nearly every Sunday (plus our volunteering on Wednesday and Sunday), I sent my children off to their events thinking that they were getting additional sound doctrine, but most importantly, that they were learning from the masters to be ministers.

I was wrong.

After six years, and as they were nearly out of high school, they could not tell me the two most important commandments. That— was only the beginning and I realized I had a lot more work to do. This made me wonder: “What were all those church classes for? Playing games? Learning how to play an instrument? Theatrical involvement?”

So my point is, seeing all the gun confusion in churches today tells me that a lot of people have a lot more work to do in terms of implanting the word of God. It is great to honor men in this world who should be honored. The Old Testament shows us that God helps good men of valor, but Jesus Christ did not intend for born-again Christians to live after the flesh or exalt the carnal soldier. If you live under the law, you will be judged by it — not grace.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians about how when they live under the law, they fall from grace. Therefore, they become debtors to do the whole law. It is the same for the Evangelical who believes in the “eye for an eye,” they have fallen from grace because Christ told us that with Him, it is no longer an eye for an eye, but love your enemies and resist not their evil. If a Christian claims Christ, then they ought to do what He said.

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. ~Galatians 5:4 KJV

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. ~Matthew 5:39 KJV

[29] And Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is , ‘Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: [30]And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. [31] And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. ~Mark 12:29-31 KJV